A jury heard how technology teacher Ian Goy befriended the 15-year-old girl on internet chat site MSN in May 2008.

Goy, 27, of Lockerbie Avenue, Cleveleys, was working at Heysham High School when he allegedly encouraged the girl to send "provocative" pictures of herself to him online.

Preston Crown Court heard how she sent him three images of herself in various states of undress but refused to appear on a web camera wearing just her underwear.

The jury was told how the youngster's mother later checked her messaging history and was horrified to discover the messages.

She complained to the school and the police were called in.

Richard Haworth, prosecuting, told the jury the teenager got in touch with the teacher after a man posting as 'bigpimpintheNYC' told her Goy's log on details.

The prosecution could not be sure this was not Goy himself using a different account, he added, but the two then began exchanging messages via the website.

Mr Haworth added: "In due course the defendant told her to send pictures of her in her underwear and foolishly she went along with what he said and sent three images.

"She was wearing underwear and in provocative poses.

"The chat went on from time to time and the defendant asked her to send views of her in her underwear through to him via the web camera.

"She prudently declined to send them through via the web cam."

The court heard how Goy had a complaint against him at the school in 2005 by a pupil who claimed he had sent her text messages asking her what underwear and sex positions she liked.

He denied the accusation and the allegation went no further.

Goy is charged with one count of causing or inciting a 15-year-old to engage in sexual activity by a person in a position of trust.

The trial is expected to last three days at Preston Crown Court.

(Proceeding)